Nirbhaya Scheme Background The Nirbhaya Scheme of Go

Nirbhaya Scheme Background • The Nirbhaya - Scheme of Go. K to combat sexual violence against women and children • Implemented by Dept of Social Justice, Go. K • Initiated in Feb 2013, post the unfortunate Nirbhaya incident in Delhi • Managed by Kerala Mahila Sakakhaya society • Meant to change lives of young girls and women, whose lives have been cruelly torn apart by sexual violence • The scheme provides safe shelter to victims of sexual violence • Takes them on a journey of transformation from helpless victims to empowered survivors

Situation before • Most often the victims of sexual violence are girls from marginalized families. The offenders often are fathers or step-fathers. • These families (mothers) may not have the capacity to protect them and to battle lengthy legal cases. • There were no convergence among departments of health, education, ST, Social justice, etc to rehabilitate the victims.

Process re-engineering done • Mahila Samakhya, a semi-autonomous NGO under the Dept. of Education was established. • Ensured convergence of Departments of Health, Education, ST, Social Justice, Law, LSGD, SC and NGS & Civil society representatives. • Govt has opened 11 Nirbhaya Shelter Homes of which 8 are managed by Mahila Samakhya.

Challenges faced • Finding a safe environment– Victims need safe space for psychological healing • Enhancing access to health and education service through convergence • Ensuring skills and economic empowerment • Ensuring transparency in management of homes • Partnership with NGOs & CSRs • Facilitating re-alignment with families

Institutional Mechanism & Infrastructure Set up • Managed under the direct supervision of Dept of Social Justice • Arrangement for prosecution of Perpetrators • No cost for Constructing Nirbhaya Homes. The existing building of SJ department was used for this purpose • An amount of Rs. 10 lakhs was spent for setting up other components

Benefits • Helped to support and transform victims of sexual violence into empowered survivors • Safe space for victims to recover from mental trauma • 122 children were re-integrated into society or their houses • Facility for vocational and income generating activities Possible Areas of Replication • The enabling environment provided to mainstream the victims is the unique aspect for replication • Unique and efficient model of Government service